Our mission is to build a strong pickleball community through the shared experiences of our members. While Pickle Place offers a multitude of options for your personal pickleball experience, we believe that sharing those experiences with a community of players will maximize your satisfaction and enjoyment.
As Seen In:
During the covid pandemic, we needed to find new ways to stay active with the rest of our family. We all play tennis, but with varying levels of endurance, ability, and interest, it was hard to play together all the time. We decided to try pickleball. The smaller court and quicker games leveled the playing field so to speak. We were hooked immediately.” – Priya
Our Story
“Unlike tennis, I’m able to play pickleball with my little brother, my parents, even my grandparents. Now I also really like getting a bunch of my friends together with some drinks and music and a casual game of pickleball. The only real downside was there was nowhere to play most of the year.” – Ethan
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staff
Sharon
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owner
Priya
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coach/staff
Roger
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owner
Ethan
friendly faces around the courts
the Team
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coach/staff
Ross
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coach
Valerie
Ethan was born and raised in the suburbs of Philadelphia. He graduated from William Penn Charter School in 2019 and Babson College in 2023 with BS in Business with a Focus on Entrepreneurship. Ethan is an entrepreneur at heart, he ran his own sneaker resale business from the age of 13 till a year ago when he started working on Pickle Place. Ethan is a HUGE Philly Sports fan and when he’s not at Pickle Place (rare) you’ll find him watching or attending a game somewhere. Ethan isn’t just a spectator; growing up he played baseball, soccer, basketball and tennis. He took up pickleball two years ago. Ethan enjoys playing pickleball socially but hopes to play more competitively one day when he isn’t so busy!
Ethan brings an appreciation for quality coaching, sports related technology and social programming to Pickle Place .
Owner
Ethan Check
Priya was born in Philly and grew up in Abington. She graduated from Abington Friends School where she met her future husband. She earned a BA in Business from Franklin and Marshall College and an MBA from Temple University Fox School of Business. Priya has been busy for the last twenty-three years raising her three kids but has always enjoyed staying active. She is a lifelong tennis player and has practiced pilates for over 18 years. She took up pickleball two years ago.
With her children grown, Priya has recently been looking for a new project and is dedicating her time, energy and experience towards making Pickle Place a success.
Owner
Priya Check
In loving memory
With over four decades of coaching experience, Roger is a cornerstone of the local sports community. His journey as an instructor began at age 16, and his expertise spans baseball, basketball, and golf. Today, he has focused that lifetime of coaching knowledge on the fastest-growing sport in the world: pickleball. Now based at The Pickle Place, Roger is dedicated to helping players at every stage of their pickleball life journey. He blends technical skill-building with a lighthearted, engaging atmosphere. Come see why his students are so enlightened—no cult rituals necessary.
coach/staff
Roger Bracy
Sharon was our first employee here at Pickle Place. Her long-standing history, having been here since the very beginning, even before the courts were laid. She has developed an extensive knowledge of the facility and its operations. She loves greeting everyone when they come in, is always happy to answer your questions or address any of your concerns….and of course listen to your stories!
staff
Sharon Essl
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staff
AJ
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Coach/Staff
Haisan
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staff
Todd
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Coach/Staff
William
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welcome wagon
Olive
An athlete her entire life, Valerie discovered pickleball and quickly fell in love with the game. Valerie is a Health Educator at a nearby district, and avid player who loves coaching and sharing the game of pickleball. Valerie's goal is to help others learn, improve, and enjoy the sport while fostering a welcoming community on the court. "If you’re looking for someone to challenge you while helping you grow your game, I'm here" Valerie's specialties include 3-and-me coaching sessions and Live ball, a fast paced, coach led style of play.
coach
Valerie Interrante
Ross moved to the area in 2025 from Charlotte, North Carolina. With him, he brings 3 years of pickleball experience! As a multi-sport athlete growing up, he was quickly hooked after being introduced to Pickleball. What started as a hobby has grown into a passion that he enjoys sharing with others. Ross also recently became a PPR certified pickleball coach!
coach/staff
Ross Gravitte
Sharon was our first employee here at Pickle Place. Her long-standing history, having been here since the very beginning, even before the courts were laid. She has developed an extensive knowledge of the facility and its operations. She loves greeting everyone when they come in, is always happy to answer your questions or address any of your concerns….and of course listen to your stories!
staff
Sharon Essl
AJ was born and raised in Montgomery County and played soccer, baseball and basketball growing up. He is currently a senior at Plymouth Whitemarsh High School and an Honor Roll student. He has played baseball since he was 7 years old and will be playing at the college level next season at Eastern University. He is passionate about pitching and playing at the next level. AJ got hooked on pickleball when he started working here last year. In his spare time, he works at Pickle Place and enjoys listening to classic rock and lifting weights.
Staff
AJ Landrey
Todd was a multi-sport athlete growing up in Southern California. Todd played college basketball and coached at the college level for 10 years. Todd completed his M.Ed. at Florida State University and operated a summer camp in Stroudsburg, PA called Camp Big Pocono during the 90's. He spent 20 years in the NBA and was the Executive Director of the 76ers Camps. Currently, he is an Athletic Director, Coach and Health & PE teacher at the Philadelphia Military Academy. In his spare time, he coaches Senior Legion Baseball and is the Asst. Manager at Pickle Place. He has been married for 25 years and has an 18-year-old son AJ.
Staff
Todd Landrey
Haisan has extensive experience working in many fields and settings. After finding pickleball and acquiring her Professional Pickleball Registry (PPR) certification, Haisan is passionate about coaching every player she meets with intention. She specializes in creative and individualized, outside of the box approaches for ensuring foundational skills are achieved.
Off the court, Haisan is a huge plant mom, proud Philly native sports fan, self-proclaimed foodie, avid traveler, DIYer, and forever obsessed with her energetic pup plus new addition to the family.
Coach/Staff
Haisan Lao
William Ye is a Penn State graduate and former Penn State pickleball player who has been playing pickleball for the past two years. He is also a PTR-certified tennis coach with five years of coaching experience. With a strong background in racquet sports, William enjoys helping players improve their technique, strategy, and overall confidence on the court. His coaching style is energetic, approachable, and focused on making sure players have fun while continuing to improve their game.
Coach/staff
William Ye
Meet Olive the Pug - the unofficial Director of Greetings at Pickle Place. If she’s not busy chasing pickleballs around the courts, Olive is usually the first friendly face to welcome you through the door. Known for her playful personality and lovable charm, she adds approximately 57% more cuteness to the lobby each and every day. Players and visitors alike quickly learn that no trip to Pickle Place is complete without a visit from Olive.
Welcome Wagon
Olive
What if I don't know my skill level/rating?
Pickle Place can provide formal DUPR ratings for those who do not yet have them, or a quick-informal rating can be assigned through a drill session with the staff.
Yes! If you see the Cooney Brothers sign, you are in the right place. Pull around to the back of the building and you'll find us.
Are you in the same building as Cooney Brothers?
Pickle Place is happy to provide balls and paddles to any player that needs them. The only required gear for you to bring is athletic gear and sneakers.
Does Pickle Place provide balls and paddles for demo?
Court reservations and open plays can be booked through the Court Reserve app. All playing opportunities are booked through Court Reserve.
How do I book a court or join an open play?
Frequently Asked Questions
Jon
Tina
Dylan
We will definitely be coming back for more family tournaments."
"Fantastic place for all skill levels with a knowledgeable and friendly staff.
All the guests really enjoyed themselves. The staff were so helpful and went above and beyond. If you were thinking about a party rental, do not hesitate to book here!"
"I recently booked a large party rental at Pickle Place. The party was a huge success!
The facility is extremely clean, with high-quality courts and equipment, and the overall experience was seamless and fun. We would absolutely recommend this place to anyone."
"We had an amazing time from start to finish.
Dylan
Mia
Victoria
to accommodate us, even providing extra courts to make sure everyone had space and could fully enjoy the day. The service was truly outstanding, and they thought of everything we could possibly need."
"We had a massive group, and they went above and beyond
as a fun, laid back, and affordable place to play and learn! Not to mention the paddles and balls are included, courts are clean and in great shape, and everyone is so friendly!"
"Coming from someone new to pickleball, I’m thankful Pickle Place exists
It’s very organized and has everything you need. Such a great addition to the area. Highly recommend checking it out! We will be coming back for sure."
"Pickle Place is absolutely amazing!
Build confidence, improve your technique, and keep growing every time you play pickleball.
Stronger skills
Enjoy the challenge of the game in a welcoming environment built for all levels.
Friendly Competition
Stay active with a low-impact sport that keeps you moving, energized, and engaged.
Healthy Movement
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